"Terry Pratchett, the best-selling fantasy author and creator of the Discworld series, announced on Dec. 11 that he has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease."
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Isn't this a disease that has been shown to have less of an impact on the mentally active?
There's a joke there that's in REALLY bad taste, but all I'm trying to say is: Writers shouldn't be affected by this disease nearly as bad as others. So it's not that his disease is bad for his occupation, but his occupation is already a part of his treatment.
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The diagnosis of Alzheimer's for a writer must seem particularly sad. The movie Iris comes to mind. It's good to see he's mustering his courage and humor to bear through it.
Posts: 201 | Registered: May 2007
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My understanding of early onset Alzheimers is that it's generally fast-progessing, too. The details are hazy, but I worry for him. How upsetting to get such a diagnosis, no matter who are you. Posts: 1911 | Registered: Mar 2007
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Unfortunately, I've read the same thing about early-onset Alzheimer's. It's sad. Like a lot of people, this is on my list of the most horrible thing I can imagine.
Posts: 1588 | Registered: Jul 2007
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I saw the press reports yesterday...I'm not sure what Pratchett was diagnosed with, but I've been under the impression that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease can't be confirmed without an autopsy.
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It is confirmed with an autopsy, not made with one. People are diagnosed with it prior to death. Posts: 1588 | Registered: Jul 2007
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I have read that there are widely accepted tests for dementia and Alzheimer's, but have no idea what they are. Referring to such a deadly illness as "a guess" seems a bit less than sympathetic.
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I think it would be best if I didn't say anything about this or any other issue. That was as politely and mildly phrased as I could manage. Obviously, I just step on too many toes.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited December 14, 2007).]
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